CNC Machinist - Engineering Lab

At a Glance Company: Nidec Location: Hoffman Estates, IL Job Type: Full-Time Pay Range: $31–$45/hour (based on experience) Shift: Day Shift Overtime: As needed Experience Level: Mid–Senior (3–5+ years) Work Environment: Engineering Lab / Non-Production Why This Role Exists This role exists to support product engineering, prototyping, and R&D efforts within Nidec’s Engineering Lab. Rather than running production, this machinist plays a hands-on role in developing, refining, and validating machining processes for gearboxes and motor components . You’ll work directly with engineers, contribute to problem-solving discussions, and help shape how prototype parts are machined — making this an ideal role for a machinist who enjoys variety, ownership, and technical collaboration . The Work You’ll Be Doing In this role, you will: Take ownership of machining projects from planning through completion Set up, program, and operate CNC and manual machines Machine prototype components, gears, and tooling to tight tolerances Read and interpret blueprints, sketches, and engineering specifications Hob and inspect gears and pinions using proper tooling and metrology Create and modify CNC programs using G-code and CAM software Perform in-process and first-article inspections and make adjustments Participate in engineering problem-solving meetings Develop and refine machining processes for continuous improvement Maintain machines, tooling, and a clean 5S-compliant workspace This is a hands-on, start-to-finish role where your machining judgment and problem-solving skills matter. Machines, Controls & Software You’ll work with equipment such as: Machines: CNC Mills (Haas, Sharp) Manual Mills & Lathes Gear Hobbing Equipment Opportunity to expand into grinders and other machines Controls & Programming: G-Code programming FeatureCAM Inspection & Measurement: Precision measurement tools for tight-tolerance gear inspection What We’re Looking For Required 3+ years of CNC machining experience Experience setting up and operating CNC mills Familiarity with manual lathe operations Strong blueprint reading and troubleshooting skills Solid understanding of tooling, setups, and inspection Ability to manage time and work independently Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality Preferred (Not Required) CAM programming experience Experience with gear cutting and toolmaking Exposure to grinders and drill presses Prototype, R&D, or engineering lab experience Materials You’ll Work With Steel Aluminum Other materials used in motor and gearbox components Why Machinists Like Working Here Machinists choose Nidec because this role offers: A non-production engineering lab environment Direct collaboration with engineering teams High-variety, technically interesting work Ownership over setups, programming, and process development Clean, organized, safety-focused workspace Opportunities to expand skills across machines and processes Pay, Benefits & Schedule Pay Range: $31–$45/hour (based on experience) Full-time, stable role Benefits offered by a global engineering-driven organization Apply Interested machinists can apply directly through hireCNC . Apply Now or Save This Job to come back later. Nidec